Water Quality Concerns in Dimock, Pa., Prompt U.S. EPA to Begin Sampling

Submitted by kherda on January 20, 2012 - 12:46

Source:

U.S. EPA

Deck:

Agency plans to test for hazardous substances in area’s drinking water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it plans to perform water sampling at approximately 60 homes in the Carter Road-Meshoppen Creek Road area of Dimock, Pa., to further assess whether any residents are being exposed to hazardous substances that can cause health concerns. The decision to conduct sampling is based on review of data provided by residents, Cabot Oil and Gas, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

“EPA is working diligently to understand the situation in Dimock and address residents’ concerns,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “We believe that the information provided to us by the residents deserves further review and conducting our own sampling will help us fill information gaps. Our actions will be based on the science and the law and we will work to help get a more complete picture of water quality for these homes in Dimock.”

All sampling is contingent on access granted to the property. The agency estimates that it will take at least three weeks to sample all homes, and validated results from quality-tested labs are expected to be available about five weeks after samples are taken.

In addition EPA is taking action to ensure delivery of temporary water supplies to four homes where data indicated that the residents’ well water contains levels of contaminants that pose a health concern. EPA will reevaluate this decision when it completes sampling of the residences’ wells.